Xanti Schawinsky (1904 - 1979)

Xanti Schawinsky

Alexander Schawinsky, also known as Xanti Schawinsky, was a remarkable Swiss painter, photographer, and theatre designer, best known for his association with the influential Bauhaus movement. Born in Basel in 1904 to parents of Polish-Jewish descent, Schawinsky's artistic journey began at the Bauhaus in Weimar in 1924, where he honed his skills under the tutelage of esteemed artists like Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky. With the closure of the Weimar Bauhaus, he moved to Bauhaus Dessau, focusing on experimental photography and stage design. Schawinsky's creativity extended beyond visual arts; he was an accomplished saxophonist and a contributor to the avant-garde theater.

As a close friend of Herbert Bayer and Marcel Breuer, Schawinsky's influence extended to different artistic spheres. Unfortunately, the rise of Hitler's regime forced him to leave Germany and seek refuge in Italy, where he continued his artistic pursuits, contributing to the design of the Olivetti Studio 42 typewriter. Xanti Schawinsky's talent and versatility remain an enduring testament to the legacy of the Bauhaus movement.